A set of steps used to solve a problem. A word primarily used in the fields of mathematics and computer science, but can be applied to almost anything.

Fred: Hey man, find a job yet?
Greg: No man, I developed an algorithm to make some mad cash!
Fred: ...
Greg: Step 1: Obtain a case of beer. Step 2: ??? Step 3: Profit!
Greg: Can't argue with that logic. Beer me.
<Greg and Fred both crack a beer and proceed to get drunk>

If I may make an algorithm here, I would say it's nothing more than an "inconvenient truth". The internet is abound with algorithms, the most famous being "I used to be the next president of the United States ..."